Folding square.



PATENTED JUNE 6, 1905.

M. A. HODGKINS.

FOLDING SQUARE.

APPLIGATION FILED PEB.17, 1905.

witness Patented June 6, 1905.

PATENT OEEIcE.

MOSES A. HODGKINS, OF MALDEN, MASSACHUSETTS.

FOLDING SQUARE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 791,906, dated June 6, 1905.

Application filed February 1'7, 1905. Serial No. 246,130.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Mosns A. HODGKINS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Malden, in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, have invented new and useful Improvements in Folding Squares, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improved carpenters square of that type adapted to be folded so as to be conveniently carried in the pocket or packed, with other tools, in a toolchest.

The object of the invention is to provide a square in which improved means are provided for locking the blade of the square in operative position, which means are adjustable to compensate for wear and prevent play of the parts after the tool. has been for a time in continuous use.

With this and other objects in view the invention consists of the features of construction, combination, and arrangement of parts hereinafter fully described, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a side View of a square embodying my invention, showing the blade adjusted and locked in position for use. Fig. 2 is a fragmentary part-sectional part-elevational view of the square, showing the blade folded and unfolded in full and broken lines, respec tively. Figs. 3 and 4: are sections taken, respectively, on lines 3 3 and 4: L of Fig. 2.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, 1 designates the handle or stock of the square, which is cut away on one side to form a rib 2 on one side of its longitudinal center and a recess 3 on the other side of its longitudinal center, said recess being adapted to receive the blade 4 when the latter is swung to folded position, the blade corresponding in thickness to the depth of the recess, so that when folded its outer face will lie flush with the face of the rib.

The stock has a reduced end extension 5, which projects beyond the adjacent end of the rib 2 and corresponds in thickness with the recessed portion 3. The blade is pivoted near one end by a pivot-pin 6 to the stock at the junction of said portions 3 and 5 and is reduced at said end to form a tongue 4., adapted when the blade is unfolded or in operative position to fit into the recess formed by the portion 5 and abut against the contiguous end of the rib.

In the upper rear edge of the stock a recess 7 is formed to receive a spring-metal plate 8, having a slot 9 for the passage of screws 10, which enter the back of the stock and adjust ably secure the plate thereto. The outer or upper end of the plate terminates in a spring locking-dog 11, having a straight shoulder 12 extending at right angles thereto and a beveled or inclined face 13. The edges of the portion 5 and tongue are formed with.

notches 13 and 14 to receive said dog, the notches coinciding when the blade is fully unfolded, so that the dog will snap into the notch 14 and lock the blade in operative position. Each notch has a straight shoulder 15 and an inclined face 16 and conforms to the shape of the dog. By this structure the dog will be forced back when the inner edge of the tongue comes into contact with the beveled face and will snap into said recess, and the straight shoulders of the parts will hold the blade firmly locked until sufiicient force is exerted to press the dog back and allow the blade to be swung free and to closed position.

In the course of time and after continuous use of the tool the coacting parts of the lock will become worn and render the connection less secure. This may be compensated for by adjusting the plate 8, which operation will also regulate the spring action of the dog.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, the construction and mode of operation of the invention will be understood without a further extended description.

Changes in the form, proportions, and minor details of construction may be made within the scope of the invention Without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is A square comprising a stock cut away on one side to form a rib on one side of its longitudinal center and a recess on the other side of its longitudinal center, and also having at one end a reduced extension projecting beyond the adjacent end of the rib and corresponding in thickness with the recessed portion, a blade pivoted near one end to the stock at the point of junction of said recessed portion and end extension to fold within the recess flush with the rib, said blade holding a tongue projecting from its pivoted end and adapted to fit into the recess formed by the said end extension and abut against the adjacent end of the rib when the blade is unfolded, the said tongue and end extension being formed with notches,

a longitudinally-slotted spring-plate upon the back of the stock having a dog to engage said recesses, and screws passing through the slots in the plate and into the stock and adjustably securing the plate thereto, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

MOSES A. HODGKINS. Witnesses:

BARTOLO CAIARELLA, JAMES STERLING. 

